Vitamin D

Vitamin D the sunshine vitamin is among the most deficient substances in the body. How can something that is made naturally by the body be lacking and what happens to your body when you don’t have enough? I find my hair is not as strong and my joints feel a little rickety. To make the body feel whole and healthy every bit of its function needs to be considered.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is not a vitamin it is a secosteroid with hormone-like activity that is made within the body. It regulates over 200 genes within the body and is necessary for growth, development and immune protection. It is an integral part of immune function, increasing neuromuscular function, improving mood, protecting the brain against toxins and possibly lowering pain. There are two forms vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Its discovery began with a boom in rickets amongst children during the Industrial Revolution. With a movement from farm life to smoggy city factory life exposure to sunlight decreased drastically.

In 1822 a Polish physician noted that children working in factories in Warsaw and or living in the smog-filled city had drastically increased cases of rickets over children who lived and worked in the countryside, his recommendation was to increase exposure to sunlight. Though it is more prevalent today, vitamin d deficiency has been around for thousands of years, it is hypothesized that Neanderthals exhibited bone deformations that can be attributed to rickets.

Main Functions and Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D Role in Calcium Metabolism

Having active vitamin D in the body increases absorption of calcium in the gut as well as decreasing its excretion from kidneys. This is how low D3 levels with time will lead to soft bones and poor bone structure. Although it is often recommended to supplement with calcium, it is often not the nutrient that is lacking from the body. It is the lack of vitamin D that is preventing Calcium uptake resulting in deficiencies with both nutrients.

Supports Healthy Bone

Without proper serum levels of calcitriol, bones become soft and more prone to fractures. Pain increases in joints and the development of arthritis greatly increases. Vitamin D helps to keep bones strong by providing the calcium that they need for their development, preventing bone mineral loss as well as reducing oxidative stress and free radical damage which in turn decreases inflammation and diminishes pain. Calciferol helps with the prevention of osteomalacia, osteoporosis as well as aiding in healing fractures and other bone problems.

Supporting Healthy Teeth and Preventing Cavities

Vitamin D puts calcium-phosphorus into teeth, helping to maintain good detention, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. The presence of this essential hormone in the body also blocks parathyroid hormone which reabsorbs bone tissue resulting in porous and fragile bones.

Immune Boosting

One of the first benefits of vitamin D was its benefit in the prevention of rickets in children. Though very uncommon, as children spend more time inside than outside supplementing with vitamin D and consuming whole foods rich in it, such as cod liver oil and eggs can strengthen the immune system of the child and not only prevent rickets but also aid them in fighting off various infections, it is cancer-fighting and fights of free radicals that are persistent in the system

Vitamin D with vitamin A has been shown to reduce the incidence of colds.

Supports Mental Health

Provides proper nutritional support for the nervous system and has been shown to reduce signs of depression and improve mood. Vitamin D3 has also been very promising in boosting brain plasticity and cognitive performance, especially amongst individuals at risk of or with dementia.

Some individuals with anxiety develop muscle spasms, vitamin D combined with A has been shown to be very beneficial at preventing this occurrence.

Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3

There are two forms of this hormone, vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Both of them are available to us through the consumption of food, however, only D3 is produced by the skin from UVB radiation. Although both forms of Vitamin D supplements turn into calcitriol (the active form of the vitamin in the body), it is when cholecalciferol is supplemented that the concentration of 25(OH)D is profoundly raised and it has a longer half-life then D2. D2 will require more frequent dosages to bring up the elevation to levels that are sufficient to the body.

How Vitamin D gets Absorbed by the Body

Both vitamin D2 and D3 are absorbed though into the intestinal lining after ingestion with the assistance of bile and other fats. From there they first arrive at the liver where they are metabolized into 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] also called calcidiol. Then in the kidneys, it is converted into 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25 (OH)2 D] a hormone known as calcitriol and one of its main action is regulating calcium in the body. The benefits of vitamin D are then displayed on the body by entering circulation and travels to the main areas of calcium tissue uptake; small intestine and bones. The small intestine has receptors for D3, these activated receptors allow for the absorption of calcium through the intestines.

“More than three fourths of all Americans are vitamin d-deficient.”―John Cannell,Athlete’s Edge: Faster, Quicker, Stronger with Vitamin D

If there is not enough calcium in the blood, parathyroid hormone and calcitriol will move to bones and signal the release of calcium from bones as a way to maintain intracellular and extracellular calcium concentrations and supply nerves and muscles with the calcium they need. However, this also leaves the bones thin, brittle and prone to breakage.

When there is sufficient calcium in the diet and body, calcitriol along with parathyroid hormone will be regulated and calcitriol production and activity is low. When calcium is lacking in the body its production is high. When the body is deficient in vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus are also released from the bones to enter the kidney to bring up serum levels. This makes the assessment of serum levels of calcium and phosphorus a flawed way to assess vitamin D status.

How Sunshine turns into a Hormone

Between 50-90% of the vitamin D that is found in the body is obtained from sunlight exposure. Vitamin D3 also known as cholecalciferol, is synthesized by UV radiation of 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D3. High concentrations of melanin affect UVB radiation and reduce the skins ability to produce D3 as does ageing, sunblock, windows and clothing.

Regular exposure to sunlight, about 15-20 minutes without the use of sunscreen for 3-4 times of a week, with 40% skin exposure when the sun is in your hemisphere. During winter months as well as early spring and late fall supplementing or making sure that your diet is rich in the nutrient is necessary to keep up serum levels (Perez – Lopez, F.R., et al., 2012) (Naeem, Z., 2010).

Calcification

A decrease in Vitamin D and an oversaturation of calcium can often result in calcification to the breast, arterial plaque, as well as other areas in the body as calcium, cannot be properly utilized and metabolized by the body. Moreover, if there is too much Vitamin D in the system due to toxicity, calcification within the body can also occur. Therefore it is essential to be testing once a year for serum Vitamin D levels especially if one is on a vitamin d supplements. Calcium ion serum testing should also be conducted once a year to monitor the amounts that are in the body and if there is a possibility of an overdose of vitamin d (too much vitamin D can lead to bone calcification).

Common Reasons for Vitamin D Deficiency

One in eight individuals has a deficiency in this vitamin. The active form of this prohormone is calcitriol or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin which we measure through serum levels in the body. Insufficient serum levels are anything lower than 20-29 ng/ml. The most at risk individuals are those who spend most of their time indoors (at work, in transportation, at home, etc), are covered largely by clothing, use sunblock as a manner of usual practise, have darker skin, are overweight, older indidivuals and those who regularly avoid the sun by using umbrellas, hats, etc. The further you live from the equator the more vitamin D you will need to supplement with, particularly during the fall, winter and spring months. Often the recommended dosages are far to low from what the body actually requires to function optimally (Naeem, Z., 2010).

Lack of Exposure to the Sun

People who spend a lot of time indoors during the day. For example: If you’re housebound, work nights or are in the hospital for a long time.

People who cover their skin all of the time. For example: If you wear sunscreen or if your skin is covered with clothes.

People that live farther from the Equator. This is because there are fewer hours of overhead sunlight the further you are from the equator.

Age-Related Deficiency

Ageing leads to a decline in the body’s ability to convert to create this particular hormone. As one ages the skin becomes ever thinner and over time its ability to produce vitamin D3 from sunlight decreases to almost half of what it was capable of during its youth. With the liver and kidneys also declining in their function the conversion of sunlight to active calcitriol also decreases making it very important to older individuals to supplement. Exposure to sunlight will also increase as 15 minutes may not be enough to produce sufficient D3.

Breast Milk Leading to Deficiency

Breast milk is the best thing that can be given to a newborn baby, however, if the nursing mother is deficient in any nutrient, including vitamin D, the child will not receive sufficient nourishment. If the nursing mother knows she is deficient in vitamin D, she herself should take a vitamin D supplement and consider supplementing the Infants with a supplement – there are infant vitamin D drops. To make sure that you choose the right supplement and dosage consult your qualified pediatrician or health care provider. A fortified formula can be an alternative, but if the mother is able to provide breast milk, a simple vitamin D supplementation would be best.

Obesity and Excess Fat

Excess fat accumulation makes one more susceptible to developing coronary heart disease, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and a deficiency in Vitamin D. Individuals who have higher BMI have been shown to have much lower levels of serum level D. Obese individuals have greater stores of active D in adipose tissues (fat) which serves as a repository for the vitamin, therefore more supplementation is required to saturate the body. Most standard guidelines do not take this into account, a women’s daily requirement may be around 600 IU, that is if she herself is not deficient and is of an average BMI. If inadequate amounts are taken it can lead to a deficiency which can result in health complications, such as heart disease, fatigue and bone frailty etc. (Carrelli, A., 2016). One study found that individuals who were undergoing Bariatrics procedures found great benefit from D3 loading under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner, more so if they had fatty liver disease. Bringing up vitamin D serum levels helps to improve mood, improve bone structure, increase energy and regulate metabolism, all of which can benefit an individual in losing excess weight (Luger, M., et al., 2017).

Pollutions Effect on Vitamin D Deficiency

Smog, it is a potent environmental pollutant that is a combination of fog or haze with smoke often from vehicular exhaust, industrial emissions etc, as well as dust and soot. Occurring in big cities, where buildings also block sun exposure, smog reduces UV radiation almost by half and significantly more during the afternoon (An, J.L., et al., 2008).

Smog also causes oxidative damage to the skin by reducing vitamin C and E in the top layer of skin (epidermis). These nutrients aid in building collagen and they promote the structure and elasticity of the skin (Thiele, J.J., et al., 1997). Smog has also been shown to increases the build-up of free radical, inflammation as well as changing skin microflora (Mancebo, S.E., et al., 2015).

Poor Kidney and Liver Function

If one’s kidney and liver are not functioning optimally vitamin D cannot be properly processed and activated therefore resulting in a deficiency. Moreover, such a decline in this hormone can also lead to further issue to these organs and other organs. Acute liver fatigue, cirrhosis, hepatic failure, liver cancer can result in a decline in livers ability to convert Vitamin D into the active form (Elangovan, H., et al., 2017). To learn more about how poor kidney and liver function affect vitamin D levels, read our article ” Vitamin D and Kidney and Liver Disease”.

Gallbladder Removal

The removal of the gallbladder completely changes the way that digestion functions. Although the liver produces bile, it is stored and released from the gallbladder when digested food or chime moves into the small intestine from the stomach. Without proper bile release food cannot be properly broken down, which prevents nutrients from being absorbed by the digestive system, this includes vitamin D. In order to be properly taken up into the body from food sources or supplementation bile needs to be present. Some bile will still be present, as of course it is made by the liver, however, it will not be released promptly when food enters the GI tract, instead, it will slowly trickle in over time.

To enable proper nutrient uptake even without a gallbladder it is recommended to supplement with bile salts with every meal. To learn more consult your qualified health care practitioner.

Cholesterol Lowering Medication Leading to Vitamin D Deficiency

Individuals who take cholesterol-lowering medication can result in a decrease and deficiency in vitamin D. A 2018 randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study found that vitamin D supplementation taken alongside statin use showed its improvement in effectiveness in long-term use for patients (Wu, Z., et al.). Vitamin D is an integral part of health, statin use, which may be the answer for some individuals does not discriminate between cholesterol types, therefore when taken vitamin D stores also suffer as they require cholesterol during the process of their activation. Supplementing with Vitamin D will provide positive benefits for those taking statins (Bischoff,-Ferrari, H.A., et al., 2017).

Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is an ignored epidemic, with 1 billion people deficient worldwide, that is about 1 in 8 people. Early signs of deficiency may be very hard to see, even by a physician as it may be masked by bone pain or fatigue. The further from the equator the greater the risk of deficiency, therefore it is important to test serum levels. Deficiency can lead to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases. There are also studies that show that it may contribute to the development of cancers such as breast, prostate and colon as well as having an impact on heart disease, strokes, autoimmune diseases, birth defects and periodontal disease.

Recurrent Infections and Cold

Active D3 is essential in maintaining immune homeostasis and strengthening both innate and active immune response in the body. It does this by targeting several immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. A deficiency in D has been linked to a variety of immune disorders (such as cold and the flu), chronic infections and autoimmune disorders (Baeke, F., et al., 2010). D3 has a regulatory effect on gut microbiota and when at optimal serum levels reduces inflammation in the digestive tract. This is important because the gut plays a crucial role in our immune function. If good bacteria is low and inflammation is present our immune function is in peril. Low levels of serum D3 show not only an increase in inflammatory bowel diseases but also in poor immune health (Barbachano, A., et al., 2017).

Increased Chance of Heart Disease and Stroke

Low serum levels of active D3 have been associated with a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease which can be in part due to calcification of heart valves placing one at risk of a stroke, heart attack or chest pain (angina).

One study found that increased serum levels of active D3 brought about a 15% drop in the development of mitral annular calcification, which is the calcification of the mitral valve ring (Trinaukyy, M., et al., 2017).

Vitamin D deficiency increases biomarkers for cardiovascular disease, more so in women than in men. It elevates the risk of developing myocardial infarction as well as resulting in a greater chance of morbidity in those that already have cardiovascular disease. The reason why vitamin D has such a big impact on heart health is its ability to reduce inflammation, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce/prevent calcification, all of which become issues when serum levels are deficient in active D3 (Fairidi, K.F., et al., 2017) (Lutsey, P.L., et al., 2013).

Development of Osteoporosis and Bone softening

Osteoporosis is the decrease in bone mass and bone tissue leading to a greater susceptibility of fractures. It is most common in ageing populations, however, due to lifestyle factors and low active D serum levels it is now seen in younger and middle-aged populations.

Active D3 is crucial to the integrity of bone structure, mineral metabolism and bringing a balance to bone turnover and growth. Low levels have an impact on bone formation and quality, as the body has to result in stripping minerals (primarily calcium) from bone to compensate for the loss as a result of low D3 levels. Calcium metabolism requires vitamin D to be present otherwise it will not be absorbed into the body from the digestive tract.

Vitamin D is a crucial supplement for individuals with osteoporosis and other bone issues as a preventative measure and to replenish bone with vital minerals and enhance bone growth as well as bone tissue development (Hou, Y-C., et al., 2018) (Lips, P., et al., 2017).

Chronic Fatigue and Low Energy

Low energy and chronic fatigue may be an indication of adrenal strain, which can be made worse by a lack of D3. Although fatigue can occur for a variety of reasons, studies have shown that across the board individuals with fatigue also exhibit low serum levels of vitamin D. It may take some time to rebuild stores and to feel the full effect of supplementation, vitamin D was shown to reverse and prevent the occurrence of fatigue in individuals who experience non-specific fatigue (Johnson, K., et al., 2015).

Low Vitamin D Impact on Sexual Hormones and Erectile Function

A 2017 study found that elevating deficient vitamin D serum levels in middle-aged men improved testosterone levels as well as erectile function. 102 men that participated in the study, age 35-64, had serum levels of less than 30 ng/ml.

Another surprising result was a decrease in BMI amongst the participants. After 12 months of supplementation, serum levels at increased to a normal range, then men in the study observed a great positive change (Canguven, O., et al., 2017).

Diabetes and Glucose Sensitivity

A deficiency in vitamin D may lead to complications with the metabolism of glucose and insulin sensitivity. It has been shown to lead to a decrease in insulin release, insulin resistance as well as a contributing factor in type 2 diabetes. One of the ways that a lack of serum active D3 levels can lead to insulin resistance is an increase in inflammatory markers in the body (Lips, P., et al., 2017).

Though supplementing with vitamin D and bringing up serum levels may not reverse diabetes, as there are a lot of other factors that result in the occurrence of the disease, it is important for individuals who have diabetes to bring up active D levels if they are deficient. If one is at risk of developing diabetes and is deficient in vitamin D it is important that they bring up their serum levels as low levels are a contributing factor in the development of insulin resistance and diabetes (Angellotti, E., et al., 2018).

Depression

Depression is a result of changes that occur to one’s neural activity, due to an increase in l-glutamate that increases excitatory neurons and has the potential to lead to a decrease in the activity of GABA inhibitory neurons. The increase in calcium at a cellular level, that often accompanies a decline in vitamin D, contributes to depression and may make individuals more susceptible to developing Alzheimer’s.

This imbalance can be one of many reasons for the commencement of depression. There are many other factors that can influence and lead to depressive symptoms, such as gut permeability, a permeable blood-brain barrier as well as various nutrients deficiencies. Increasing serum levels of vitamin D aids in bringing balance back to calcium levels in the body which aids in reducing the onset of depression (Berridge, M.J., 2017).

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for the human brain. Studies looking at overweight individuals as well as people with chronic spinal injuries have shown a correlation between a deficiency in active D3 levels and depression. Bringing serum levels up has been shown to provide a great improvement and a decline in depression (Murray, M.T., et al., 2012).

Source of Vitamin D

Plant and animal source of Vitamin D are different, primarily due to the absence of cholesterol in plant source, which is the main building block of D3 or calcitriol. Although beneficial the conversion to active D3 requires a lot of work on part of the body, therefore if one is not consuming meat supplementing with Vitamin D and getting enough sun exposure is s=essential in maintaining adequate serum levels.

Vitamin D3: Is found in animals sources and by-products.

The best animal source of D3 is cod liver oil, which is also an excellent source of vitamin A. Free run egg yolks, grass-fed butter and grass-fed liver are other wonderful sources.

Vitamin D2: Is found in plant leaves – though in very low amount, moreover as it is in the form of Vitamin D2 it is hard for the body to utilize it and convert it. If an individual is Vegan or Vegetarian it is incredibly important to make sure they supplement with Vitamin D.

Mushrooms and dark leafy greens, such as dandelion greens do contain some D2, though rather low amounts. It is also found in such herbs as alfalfa, nettles and parsley.

Cod Liver Oil

Sardines

Salmon

Caviar

Mushroom

Mackerel

Tuna

Raw Milk

Eggs (Yolk)

Beef Liver

Cheese

Food

Portion

Vitamin D (I.U.)

Halibut-liver oil

2 tsp

9,636

Herring, grilled

3 oz.

850

Mackerel, fried

3 oz.

717

Cod-liver oil

2 tsp

675

Mackerel, raw

3 oz.

595

Salmon, Pacific, steamed

3 oz.

425

Sardines, canned in oil, drained

3 oz.

255

Tuna, canned in oil, drained

3 oz.

197

MIlk, 1% fat

1 cup

102

Signs of Vitamin D Toxicity

Vitamin D toxicity, also known as hypervitaminosis, is uncommon. Mainly occurring from extensive and excessive over supplementation. Developing hypervitaminosis from food is very uncommon as very few foods contain such high amounts of vitamin D ( 25(OH)D). Supplementing with 40,000 IU per day over the course of a few months can lead to toxicity as well as a single exceedingly large dosage.

Levels below 30 ng/mL are a sign of deficiency, anything above 150 ng/mL is considered toxic. Though this will vary from individuals to individual age, gender and BMI play a factor into how much serum 25(OH)D is right for you.

Before beginning supplementation, it is always a good idea to test your serum level to know how much you need to take if you are low. When rebuilding your serum levels it is a good idea to retest your levels every month or two to see if your levels have returned to normal and are at optimal levels.

Symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity or hypervitaminosis include the following;

excessive thirst

nausea

diarrhea

headaches

weakness

sunstroke

vomiting

Testing Blood Levels for Vitamin D Deficiency

The best test is a 25(OH)D test. You can get other tests, such as a ‘1,25(OH)₂D test’, however, the 25(OH)D test will let you know if you are getting enough vitamin D and what your serum levels are.

The optimal levels to strive for at 40-80ng/ml.

Supplementing with Vitamin D

Maintenance levels during times of the years when daylight is at its lowest should be between 2,000 – 4,000 IU per day. D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol) can both be found at supplements, however, in order to obtain the benefits from calcitriol, it is essential to obtain Vitamin D3.

If one is very low in Vitamin D, is on medication or has certain health conditions it is essential to increase supplementation, for some time, to 10,000 IU daily (no longer than a month at a time, drop to a lower dosage for a month and cycle again, though be sure to test yourself beforehand to see if your serum levels have increased). Smaller dosages will not get your body what it requires and certain conditions will require more supplementation so that the body can convert what it can into an active form (particularly when the issues involve the gut, liver or kidneys). Liquid Vitamin D3 supplementation is best and easiest to take. Make sure to check levels for each new season so as to know when to supplement and when to wain off and enjoy the sun.

When supplementing with Vitamin D3 it is beneficial to take the supplement with a meal that contains a good amount of fat as the vitamin is fat soluble. Taking it along with fat will allow for enzymes to be present in the digestive tract to properly ensure the uptake of the nutrient.

Recommended Vitamin D Supplements

Garden of Life – Vitamin D3 -Vegan

My Kind Whole Food Organics

great for those on the go as it is a vanilla flavoured spray

One spray is equivalent to 1000 IU

Vegan, Organic, Non-GMO, Soy-free and Gluten free

Contains no synthetic binders or fillers

D Drops – Baby D Drops

Contains 90 drops (400 IU per drop)

Can be given to infants 1 drop daily

Easily applied and given front the fingertip or the nipple to a breastfed baby.

Wheat, gluten, soy, corn, sugar, milk, peanut free, palm oil free

Tasteless

Great brand for children, they also have a 600 IU dosage that can be great for older children. For young adults and adults, I would recommend a different brand if you are doing maintenance, as even the 365 drop 1000 IU per drop bottle gets used up quickly (though they do carry a 2000 IU per drop bottle).

Nordic Naturals – Vitamin D3 Vegan

Sourced from lichen

GMO-free, soy free

60 servings, 1000 IU per serving

Liquid dropper, can add into smoothies that contain a bit of fat for better absorption.

Nordic Naturals – Vitamin D3 gel caps 120

GMO-free

fish oil is sustainably harvested

easy absorption

1 caps = 1000 IU

Can take more at the same time or spread it out with your meals. I would not recommend taking this supplement on an empty stomach.

Remember to begin with a lower dosage and work your way up. If you are low in Vitamin D, make sure you have also checked the functioning of your liver and kidneys to make sure that they can properly convert vitamin D into its active form of calcitriol in the body. Otherwise, you are going to be paying a whole lot of money for something that won’t be working effectively.

Amanda Filipowicz is a certified nutritional practitioner (CNP) with a bachelor in environmental studies (BES) from York University. She also has certification in clinical detoxification, prenatal and postnatal care as well as nutrition for mental health. She has a decade of experience in nutritional health and is a lifelong proponent of eating healthy.

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The content on this website is to be used as an aid in living a healthier life through holistic means. Not as a replacement for medical advice. All our articles are screened by a certified nutritionist to give accurate information. If you are seeking medical advice then you should consult with your local medical doctor.